Slice of Life: Traditions of the Season

(This post is for Slice of Life, a regular writing invitation from Two Writing Teachers to find small moments to write about, and reflect. Come join in.)

Apple picking 2016

We have a family tradition this time of year. We go apple picking. In cold and hot, in rain .. we try to stay true to the idea that we will all make room in our busy schedules for apple picking. We used to go to this orchard up in our hilltowns, with amazing views of a valley. It closed down after a few particularly bad seasons. So we started to go to another orchard not far from the school where I teach.

But my oldest son is now off to college, so that made an Apple Picking Adventure a bit more tricky. And my sister-in-law’s family, who used to live ten minutes away, now lives in Rhode Island, so that makes it tricky. My middle son works and my youngest son plays baseball. Tricky.

But my wife is determined, and she made it happen.

Sure, we had to drive nearly two hours — first to pick up our son from his college outside of Boston and then drive another 30 minutes to meet my sister-in-law at the orchard found by Googling apples. But we made it happen this weekend and it was great to see the cousins together again, and my sister-in-law and brother-in-law. The weather was overcast but not too hot, and the trees were dripping with apples (the drought has brought a good year for apples, bad year for peaches, I guess).

I even grabbed a few Asian pears from some trees. Biting into those is like biting into a small container of sweet water. They were simply delicious.

It is these kinds of traditions that keep a family connected, even as we disperse geographically. Apples, for us, are always more than apples — they are a reason to find time to come together. Plus, they taste pretty darn good, too. So, there’s that.

Peace (on trees everywhere, in abundance),
Kevin

7 Comments
  1. I applaud you and your wife. Family traditions weave a strong bond from generation to generation. They are priceless, precious treasures that cannot be purchased at any price. Reading your slice is a perfect start to my day of travel as I head home.

  2. Now I want some apples! I love how your wife made this happen and how everyone was there. What a lovely way to spend an afternoon!

  3. Kudos to your wife for making sure this tradition continues! Apple picking has always been a mandated family fun day in our household. 🙂 Now that the kids are all away from home, we let it slip away–but after reading your post, I feel a road trip coming on! Thanks for the inspiration!

  4. A great family tradition. I couldn’t help thinking that, 30 years ago, without the internet, it might not have happened. I like the repetition of Tricky.

  5. “…like biting into a container of sweet water.”

    I think Asian pears are my next purchase.

    Do all members of the company agree on the “best” apple variety, or is that a piece of the happy weekend family symphony?

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